Lewis and Clark Expedition

Expedition Approval

Jan 18, 1803

President Thomas Jefferson asks Congress for approval to explore the western part of America.

Training

Apr 1, 1803

Lewis begins training as the expedition's leader.

Louisiana Purchase

Jul 4, 1803

News of the Louisiana Purchase is announced, therefore Lewis will be exploring land that is mostly owned by the United States.

Lewis and Clark

Aug 1, 1803

Lewis travels down the Ohio River and picks up Clark and other expedition members along the way.

Camp Wood

Nov 1, 1803

Lewis and Clark set up a camp along the wood river in Illinois.

Sacagawea

Nov 4, 1804

Lewis and Clark hire Toussaint Charbonneau and his wife Sacagawea as interpreters for the rest of the trip.

Cold Temperatures

Dec 17, 1804

Lewis and Clark record temperatures at 45 degrees below zero. Temperatures this cold are unheard of in the United States today.

Sacagawea Gives Birth

Feb 11, 1805

Lewis helps deliver Sacagawea's son, Jean Baptist Charbonneau

Shoshone Lands

Aug 17, 1805

The expedition arrives at Sacagawea's native lands, the Shoshone Lands. Sacagawea is reunited with her long lost brother, Cameahwait.

Pacific Ocean

Nov 24, 1805

Lewis and Clark have reached what they believe to be the Pacific Ocean and have to decide where to build their camp for the winter. They have really only reached a widening estuary of the Columbia River. The team decides to call the camp Fort Clatsop.

Journey End

Sep 23, 1806

Lewis and Clark have reached St. Louis two and a half years after beginning their journey. They are regarded as national heroes.